Conditional DM-RS Utilization for Shortened TTI Downlink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing downlink reference signals for improved channel estimation and demodulation due to increasing complexities in resource scheduling, necessitating enhanced flexibility in reference signal management.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves conditional utilization of demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) across subframe slots, allowing for the use of DM-RS in one slot for demodulating transmissions in another slot based on specific conditions, such as explicit indications or implicit configurations, to enhance channel estimation and demodulation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference signals are transmitted in every slot for demodulation, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but resource overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidreference signal management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reference signal management where the transmission of DM-RS is conditional rather than static. The UE determines whether to use DM-RS in the second slot based on detected conditions (explicit indications or implicit configurations), allowing the system to adapt reference signal usage to actual channel conditions and traffic requirements, thereby improving channel estimation accuracy only when necessary while reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reference signal presence from a fixed state to a conditional state. By introducing conditions that determine whether DM-RS is transmitted in the second slot, the system can dynamically adjust reference signal density, improving channel estimation when conditions warrant it while reducing resource overhead and management complexity when conditions allow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If shorter TTI is used to reduce latency, then response time is improved, but channel estimation reliability deteriorates due to fewer reference signals available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission latencyVSAvoidchannel estimation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting conditions and preparing to use DM-RS from the second slot before demodulation is needed. The UE proactively determines whether the condition for using second-slot DM-RS is met, allowing it to reliably estimate channels in shortened TTI scenarios where time for traditional reference signal transmission is limited

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces DM-RS from the second slot as an intermediary resource that can be used to compensate for the reduced time available in shorter TTI. By allowing cross-slot reference signal usage under certain conditions, the system bridges the gap between reduced transmission time and the need for reliable channel estimation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3754890A1Downlink operations with shortened transmission time intervals
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3754890A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754890A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3754890A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a conditional utilization of reference signals for managing communications of one or more user equipment (UE) in a wireless communications system. The described aspects include receiving a transmission having a first subframe slot and a second subframe slot, at least one of the first subframe slot and the second subframe slot have a single-slot transmission time interval (TTI). The described aspects further include detecting a first demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) in the first subframe slot and a second DM-RS in the second subframe slot. The described aspects further include determining whether to demodulate the at least one downlink channel in the first subframe slot using the first DM-RS in the first subframe slot or to demodulate both the first DM-RS in the first subframe slot and the second DM-RS in the second subframe slot based on whether at least one condition exists.